Best camcorder to buy?

Q. I want to get a camcorder that can film in pitch dark and in full daylight with good memory and battery life. Any suggestions?

A. HD camcorders interpolate the video, which means of every 25 frames of video, 4 or 5 frames are taken by the lens assembly; the other frames in between these are filled in by the camcorder inner circuitry, thus giving you not true video. It looks like this -one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, from front to back of the video. Near impossible to edit, even when you have the Multi port processor computer with the big 1GB Graphics card and a Sound card that is required to edit, view, watch and work with the files these camcorders produce.

Consumer level HD camcorders have 4 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording consumer level HD camcorder, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) These Consumer level HD camcorders all have a habit of the transferred to computer files are something you need to convert, thus losing your HD quality, to work with your editing software. 4) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes � four different times advertised as maximum record time for some consumer level HD camcorders. No event I have ever been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video.

MiniDV is currently the most popular format for consumer digital camcorders. MiniDV camcorders are typically more affordable than their HDD and DVD counterparts. Each MiniDV tape will typically hold an hour of footage at normal recording speed and quality. MiniDV tapes are available for purchase at not only electronic and camera stores, but also at drugs stores and grocery stores, making them easy to find while your on vacation. There are literally hundreds of MiniDV camcorders available; both in standard and high-definition. And add the fact that to get a HD camcorder that could produce better video quality footage, one would have to spend in excess of $3500 for that camcorder that could produce higher quality video.

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part1_camcorder_choices.htm

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part2_connect_camcorder.htm

http://www.canon.ca/inetCA/products?m=gp&pid=1017#_030

Original Question

which HD Camcorder should I buy?

Q. I am looking for the best quality HD camcorder, I would like it to use either DVDs or a hard drive or memory stick. I would like to spend under $1000 and I will be buying from eBay, or other good sites were I can find the deals, but first I need to no which brand/model I should buy? I just want an overall High quality camcorder, not top of the line independent film producer type but not a beginners one either somewhere in between what are some important features i should look for..... Image Sensor size?

A. I've been using a Sony HDR-HC1 for about 2 years.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

Camcorders you should look at: Canon HV20 or HV30... or Sony HDR-HC7 or HC9.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

Just so you understand the "range":
Standard definition Canon ZR800 is ~$250.
Standard definition Sony DCR-HC96 ~$500
The Canon HV20, HV30 and Sony HDR-HC7 and HC9 cameras listed above are the cheapest high definition cameras at ~$1000.
Then there is a big jump to the Sony HDR-FX1, FX7, HVR-A1U, V1U and Z1U... and the Canon GL2, XL2, and XHA1... and Panasonic DVX100 and HDX200

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

Why are most of these camcorders miniDV tape? Because the compress the least DV for standard definition and HDV for high definition. The internal hard drive and flash camcorders use MPEG2 for standard def and AVCHD for hidef - and that is a LOT of compression - when you compress that much when capturing, you lose data - and video quality. You want the least compression at capture - what you do in the edit and post production environment is downstream and controlled - if you lose the data at the beginning there is no recovery.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

There are two exceptions to this - the Panasonic cameras use P2 cards. As well, Firestore makes external hard drive capture devices (which connect using firewire to miniDV tape cameras). These storage items store using DV ad HDV format, so are not subject to the compression video quality loss of the traditional internal hard drive and flash consumer devices.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

Be careful of "best price" - there are a lot of scammers that are "gray market resellers", open the box and take out the battery and other included items - then sell the camera cheap, but force you to buy the accessories they just took out of the box.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

Best purchase method is to buy locally. You keep your neighbors employed and taxes pay for roads, and all that other stuff you take for granted. Next best is stay with the know on-line folks... Amazon, Adirama, B&H Photo. Beyond this, you are on your own - Buyer beware.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

DVD based camcorders compress even more (into MPEG and AVCCH formatted files) than hard drive or flash memory based camcorders do. The video they capture is poor quality compared to the other camcorders and painful to edit.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

Original Question

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Best camcorder to buy?

Q. I want to get a camcorder that can film in pitch dark and in full daylight with good memory and battery life. Any suggestions?

A. HD camcorders interpolate the video, which means of every 25 frames of video, 4 or 5 frames are taken by the lens assembly; the other frames in between these are filled in by the camcorder inner circuitry, thus giving you not true video. It looks like this -one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, from front to back of the video. Near impossible to edit, even when you have the Multi port processor computer with the big 1GB Graphics card and a Sound card that is required to edit, view, watch and work with the files these camcorders produce.

Consumer level HD camcorders have 4 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording consumer level HD camcorder, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) These Consumer level HD camcorders all have a habit of the transferred to computer files are something you need to convert, thus losing your HD quality, to work with your editing software. 4) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes � four different times advertised as maximum record time for some consumer level HD camcorders. No event I have ever been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video.

MiniDV is currently the most popular format for consumer digital camcorders. MiniDV camcorders are typically more affordable than their HDD and DVD counterparts. Each MiniDV tape will typically hold an hour of footage at normal recording speed and quality. MiniDV tapes are available for purchase at not only electronic and camera stores, but also at drugs stores and grocery stores, making them easy to find while your on vacation. There are literally hundreds of MiniDV camcorders available; both in standard and high-definition. And add the fact that to get a HD camcorder that could produce better video quality footage, one would have to spend in excess of $3500 for that camcorder that could produce higher quality video.

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part1_camcorder_choices.htm

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part2_connect_camcorder.htm

http://www.canon.ca/inetCA/products?m=gp&pid=1017#_030

Original Question

which HD Camcorder should I buy?

Q. I am looking for the best quality HD camcorder, I would like it to use either DVDs or a hard drive or memory stick. I would like to spend under $1000 and I will be buying from eBay, or other good sites were I can find the deals, but first I need to no which brand/model I should buy? I just want an overall High quality camcorder, not top of the line independent film producer type but not a beginners one either somewhere in between what are some important features i should look for..... Image Sensor size?

A. I've been using a Sony HDR-HC1 for about 2 years.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

Camcorders you should look at: Canon HV20 or HV30... or Sony HDR-HC7 or HC9.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

Just so you understand the "range":
Standard definition Canon ZR800 is ~$250.
Standard definition Sony DCR-HC96 ~$500
The Canon HV20, HV30 and Sony HDR-HC7 and HC9 cameras listed above are the cheapest high definition cameras at ~$1000.
Then there is a big jump to the Sony HDR-FX1, FX7, HVR-A1U, V1U and Z1U... and the Canon GL2, XL2, and XHA1... and Panasonic DVX100 and HDX200

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

Why are most of these camcorders miniDV tape? Because the compress the least DV for standard definition and HDV for high definition. The internal hard drive and flash camcorders use MPEG2 for standard def and AVCHD for hidef - and that is a LOT of compression - when you compress that much when capturing, you lose data - and video quality. You want the least compression at capture - what you do in the edit and post production environment is downstream and controlled - if you lose the data at the beginning there is no recovery.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

There are two exceptions to this - the Panasonic cameras use P2 cards. As well, Firestore makes external hard drive capture devices (which connect using firewire to miniDV tape cameras). These storage items store using DV ad HDV format, so are not subject to the compression video quality loss of the traditional internal hard drive and flash consumer devices.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

Be careful of "best price" - there are a lot of scammers that are "gray market resellers", open the box and take out the battery and other included items - then sell the camera cheap, but force you to buy the accessories they just took out of the box.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

Best purchase method is to buy locally. You keep your neighbors employed and taxes pay for roads, and all that other stuff you take for granted. Next best is stay with the know on-line folks... Amazon, Adirama, B&H Photo. Beyond this, you are on your own - Buyer beware.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

DVD based camcorders compress even more (into MPEG and AVCCH formatted files) than hard drive or flash memory based camcorders do. The video they capture is poor quality compared to the other camcorders and painful to edit.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

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What are some good camcorders to buy?

Q. Could you suggest some good camcorders to buy? I want it to have a clear picture and audio, and for it to look professional. Any suggestions?

A. Consumer level HD camcorders have 4 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording consumer level HD camcorder, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) These Consumer level HD camcorders all have a habit of the transferred to computer files are something you need to convert, thus losing your HD quality, to work with your editing software. 4) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes � four different times advertised as maximum record time for some consumer level HD camcorders. No event I have ever been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video. Not to mention, but the computer you upload your HD files to jas to have at least a 1 GB video card and a separate Audio card that can support Direct X 9 technology, you normal every day computer has massive troubles with HD video. Consumer level HD camcorders interpolate the video. This means they take one frame, make up the next 4 or 5 frames, take a frame and repeat this, over and over, for the remainder of the video, every video it takes is like this. With a MiniDV tape camcorder, record 60 or 90 minutes ( camcorder settings), 90 seconds or less to change a tape and record for 60 or 90 more and repeat till you run out of tapes.

You can get a Canon ZR960 for $250. It is a MiniDV tape camcorder, has a MIC jack. You will need a Firewire (IEEE1394) card ($25 to 30) for the computer and a Firewire cable (less than 10) to be able to transfer video to your computer. To say this is not HD, think about this. It would cost in excess of $3500 to get a HD camcorder that could equal the video Quality of a $250 Canon MiniDV tape camcorder.

http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Camcorders/High_Definition_HD/HV30/index.aspx

Original Question

what kind of camcorder should i buy?

Q. im buying a camcorder soon and i need some help.i need this camcorder to be able to glue threads on and attach a fisheye. i would also very much like it if i could be able to 'pause" while im recording then play again. i only want to spend 150$ for camcorder,fisheye, threads. i dont mind buying used camcorder from amazon,ebay,craigslist ect. PLEASE say the kind of fisheye,thread size,camcorder ect so i can have an idea of what to buy. Thanks

A. The only Camcorder that can pause, are MiniDV tape Camcorders. No HD Camcorder, that is any camcorder using anything other than tape for Video Storage, cannot 'pause' while recording, as that would burn a hole in the storage media. Besides, shoot your Video, transfer the footage to your Computer, open your Video Editing Program and you can put one clip after the other on the Timeline of the Program easily.

HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras interpolate the video, which means of every 25 frames of video, 4 or 5 frames are taken by the lens assembly; the other frames in between these are filled in by the camcorder inner circuitry, thus giving you not true video. It looks like this -one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, one frame from the lens assembly, 7or 8 from the electronic circuitry, from front to back of the video. Near impossible to edit, even when you have the Multi port processor computer with the big 1GB Graphics card and a Sound card that is required to edit, view, watch and work with the files these camcorders produce.

DSLR Cameras, all Makes, all Models, all have the same problem when video taping some long videos, all overheat at the 13 to 18 minute mark, depending on the Make and Model. This is unavoidable, it all has to with the fact, video is an afterthought in DSLR camera production.

Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras have 4 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording Consumer Level HD Camcorder and DSLR Cameras, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) These Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras all have a habit of the transferred to computer files are something you need to convert, thus losing your HD quality, to work with your editing software. 4) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes � four different times advertised as maximum record time for some Consumer Level HD Camcorders and DSLR Cameras. No event I have ever been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders and DSLR Cameras or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video.

MiniDV is currently the most popular format for consumer digital camcorders. MiniDV camcorders are typically more affordable than their HDD and DVD counterparts. Each MiniDV tape will typically hold an hour of footage at normal recording speed and quality. MiniDV tapes are available for purchase at not only electronic and camera stores, but also at drugs stores and grocery stores, making them easy to find while your on vacation. There are literally hundreds of MiniDV camcorders available; both in standard and high-definition. And add the fact that to get a HD camcorder that could produce better video quality footage, one would have to spend in excess of $3500 for that camcorder that could produce higher quality video

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part1_camcorder_choices.htm

http://simplevideoediting.com/learn/part2_connect_camcorder.htm

http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders/vixia_hv40#Overview

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which HD Camcorder should I buy?

Q. I am looking for the best quality HD camcorder, I would like it to use either DVDs or a hard drive or memory stick. I would like to spend under $1000 and I will be buying from eBay, or other good sites were I can find the deals, but first I need to no which brand/model I should buy? I just want an overall High quality camcorder, not top of the line independent film producer type but not a beginners one either somewhere in between what are some important features i should look for..... Image Sensor size?

A. I've been using a Sony HDR-HC1 for about 2 years.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

Camcorders you should look at: Canon HV20 or HV30... or Sony HDR-HC7 or HC9.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

Just so you understand the "range":
Standard definition Canon ZR800 is ~$250.
Standard definition Sony DCR-HC96 ~$500
The Canon HV20, HV30 and Sony HDR-HC7 and HC9 cameras listed above are the cheapest high definition cameras at ~$1000.
Then there is a big jump to the Sony HDR-FX1, FX7, HVR-A1U, V1U and Z1U... and the Canon GL2, XL2, and XHA1... and Panasonic DVX100 and HDX200

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

Why are most of these camcorders miniDV tape? Because the compress the least DV for standard definition and HDV for high definition. The internal hard drive and flash camcorders use MPEG2 for standard def and AVCHD for hidef - and that is a LOT of compression - when you compress that much when capturing, you lose data - and video quality. You want the least compression at capture - what you do in the edit and post production environment is downstream and controlled - if you lose the data at the beginning there is no recovery.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

There are two exceptions to this - the Panasonic cameras use P2 cards. As well, Firestore makes external hard drive capture devices (which connect using firewire to miniDV tape cameras). These storage items store using DV ad HDV format, so are not subject to the compression video quality loss of the traditional internal hard drive and flash consumer devices.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

Be careful of "best price" - there are a lot of scammers that are "gray market resellers", open the box and take out the battery and other included items - then sell the camera cheap, but force you to buy the accessories they just took out of the box.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

Best purchase method is to buy locally. You keep your neighbors employed and taxes pay for roads, and all that other stuff you take for granted. Next best is stay with the know on-line folks... Amazon, Adirama, B&H Photo. Beyond this, you are on your own - Buyer beware.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

DVD based camcorders compress even more (into MPEG and AVCCH formatted files) than hard drive or flash memory based camcorders do. The video they capture is poor quality compared to the other camcorders and painful to edit.

DO NOT BUY A DVD BASED CAMCORDER.

Original Question

Which camcorder to buy ?

Q. i need a camcorder in the 500-600$ budget with 3ccds and a firewire output .could some one link me to some cameras and places where i can buy em.
it doesnt have a firewire out put

A. I highly recommend this ...
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-HDC-SD1-Definition-Camcorder-Stabilized/dp/B000LO92EK/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1245317180&sr=1-8&tag=aor-sale-20
Product Description
The HD Advanced Pure Color Engine ensures all your photos and footage enjoy the beauty of High Definition. Your Panasonic HDC-SD1 takes rich, vivid colors to a beautiful new level. Process large amounts of data with high speed and precision with the 3CCD HD image processing circuit. O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) suppresses camera shake - you'll won't see any instability, even on a big-screen TV. Shooting video is easier and more convenient by recording to your SD/SDHC Memory Card. The advanced microphone captures the sound source and distance more accurately, for a true-to-life sound space that's a great match for the HD image quality. Uploading your precious memories onto your PC is quick and easy without the need to connect a cable or run a finalizing process when transferring the data. Records onto SD/SDHC Memory Card AVCHD recording Format F Values - F1.8 (Wide) / F2.8 (Tele) 12x variable optical zoom Focal Length - 4.0 - 48.0 mm Filter Diameter - 43mm Optical Image Stabilizer Minimum Illumination - 2 Lux (Magic Pix) White Balance modes - Auto, Indoor, Outdoor, White Set Shutter Speeds - 1/60 - 1/8,000 sec. (moving & still pictures) Backlight compensation Manual Focus Ring Soft-Skin Mode MagicPix Images 5.1ch Surround Sound microphone - zoom mic & wind noise reduction 0.44 (183K pixels) Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) Trinlingual language display - English, Canadian French, Spanish DPOF - Max. 999 stills Built-in SD slot A/V and HDMI out USB 2.0 High Speed (mini B) PictBridge compatible Dimensions(HxWxD) - 2.92 x 2.64 x 5.40 Weight - 0.95 lbs

This camera delivers great picture quality and is very easy to use.

If you are looking forward to editing and publishing your videos taken with this camera please note, at the time of North American release, software packages that can handle AVCHD digital format encoded using MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (m2ts) are only starting to show up.

The software included with this camera, Leadtools HD Writer Ver 1.0E for SD1, is capable of only basic operations such as scene preview, split, merge, and delete. Using this software you can backup your videos on a DVD-R disk, but you won't be able to play it back, unless you have one of the new Blu-ray disk players.

The software situation will improve with time, and there will be more high definition video options in the future.

To hookup this camera to a high definition display you can use provided component cables or the HDMI output (HDMI cable is not included). Standard audio, video output is also available for older TV sets (cable included).

The computer interface is USB (cable supplied); it works only when the camera is hooked up to the AC/DC adapter (included). By the way, the battery will not charge inside the camera; charge it on the adapter disconnected from the camera.

Videos and pictures are stored on an SDHC card (some SD cards can also be used, but SDHC class 2 or better are recommended). A 4 GB SDHC card (one included) is good for about 40 minutes of recording in the highest quality HF setting; this is also about as much as the stock VW-VBG130 battery can handle. For more power on the go an optional VW-VH04 battery pack holder can be used. You can use additional SDHC cards, or dump data to a laptop computer via USB cable, or use optional VW-PT2 or similar SDHC media storage device.

The battery is loaded from the bottom. When using the camera on a tripod, load the battery first.

In addition to videos, this camera can also take still pictures. The quality of still pictures is so-so with some digital artifacts showing up; but it is fine for occasional snapshots. On the positive side, the still picture trigger on this camcorder functions like on real picture cameras: you can pre-focus depressing the trigger half way.

Thanks to the powerful 3CCD sensor architecture and optical image stabilization the videos this camera takes are very good, even in sub-optimal light conditions. There is an automatic mode, and a manual mode for more advanced control. One of the features I especially like is the Grid that can be displayed for better shoot composition.

HDC-SD1 is one of the first consumer high-definition cameras from Panasonic, it's a great start and sure to please customers looking so save the moving pictures of unforgettable moments in life.

Hope you like it. Good Luck!

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I need to buy a new camcorder?

Q. After 12 years I now need to buy a new camcorder. I'm only familiar with the old tape ones. How do you get a recording from the little digital camcorders to view on television like the old ones? They all say they have a memory card? Sounds like a lot of trouble to go thru the computer and then onto a DVD type thing? We have always viewed our recordings on our tv and I still want to do it that way.
Which ones are good quality picture and sound and inexpensive?
Thanks to all of you!

A. Most camcorders allow you to output to your TV no matter what medium they're recorded on. You'll probably be using those same familiar yellow-red-white video/audio plugs that you're used to. Or, if you're using HDTV and you get a camera that records in HD, you might step up to the red-green-blue-red-white component cables, or a single HDMI cable.

You have all kinds of options here:

MiniDV tape:
Inexpensive digital format, best quality of the consumer digital formats. Must fast-forward and rewind through video to get to the point you want to find. Records in standard-definition on most cameras, but there are also many "HDV" format cameras that record HD on MiniDV tape. When you finish recording, pop the tape out, put in a new one. Capture to a computer using a "FireWire" port if your computer has one, but it's easy enough to purchase and install a FireWire card if your computer has space for one and doesn't yet have a port. Compatible with most video-editing programs. The drawback is that for computer editing, you capture in real time (an hour of video takes an hour to capture), and because it's tape, there are moving parts that can occasionally malfunction, so maintenance is important. That said, these cameras are good for serious hobbyists and those who like to edit videos on a computer, as well as those who are still open to the idea that tape is still going strong in the world of video, and like to be able to just pop in a new one when they fill one up.

Hard drives (HDD):
Record directly to a hard drive within the camera. Good for faster transfer to a computer, and for more quickly finding a spot on the video without necessarily rewinding/fast-forwarding through everything. A few drawbacks to these cameras, though - when you run out of space, you must clear space out - delete video, or back it up to a computer immediately. Then, you have to worry about how much space you have on your computer for storage. These formats can sometimes have compatibility issues with editing programs. Cameras can be susceptible to vibration and altitude. Formats are more compressed than MiniDV tape-based formats. For convenience and instant viewing, these cameras can be useful.

DVD:
Honestly, it's hard for me to find advantages in DVD. They require you to "finalize" a disc after recording in order to view anywhere else, which takes time. They're a headache to import for editing. They're highly-compressed formats. There are a few nice things about them, but they're really not worth the difficulties.

Flash memory/memory cards:
Similar to hard drives, except you do have the option of removing the media and inserting a new one. Fill one up, copy it to a computer, and record on another one. The cards are still expensive, so you will eventually have to worry about backing up or deleting video. Still, I'd say these types of cameras come in second to tape-based formats in my personal opinion. Some of them are delivering quality formats now, and the compatibility is getting a bit better with editing programs. They're at least worth a look.

That said, for just about every camcorder, there is a way to just plug it into your TV and watch what you recorded. If you have HDTV or plan on getting it soon, you might consider getting that feature in your camcorder.

Think about what's important to you in video quality and how you like to shoot - do you shoot in automatic mode all the time, or do you like having some manual options at your disposal to override the automatic operations? Might you want to plug in an external microphone? Price range is, obviously, a huge factor as well. Start there, and see which cameras' features best match your shooting and viewing preferences for that price.

If you have any further questions, feel free to add to your original.

Original Question

Buying a new Camcorder?

Q. Ok I am buying a new camcorder and wanted to get a harddrive one what I wanted to ask about is quality. Do harddrive cams have better image quality than Mini-Dv? I heard Mini-Dv can only produce 4bits of color or something like that. And what brand names usually have the highest quality image. I dont really want to spend more than $550.

A. Here is a great source for some of your questions:

http://reviews.cnet.com/camcorder-buying-guide/

There is also a decent website with a message board (forums) you can also sign up for that often have folks who are well versed in that type of technology like http://www.avsforum.com/

Tom's hardware (http://www.tomshardware.com) also provides a "compare prices" feature as well as http://www.amazon.com, http://www.pricewatch.com, and google's "product search" option when you are looking for a good price. You can also ask a question on a great website called http://www.slickdeals.net and let other people research the model you are looking for when you are ready to purchase for the best price. Some people like doing that for some reason...

Anyway, for $550 you are going to be getting a low-end model. Canon; JVC; Panasonic; Sony all make camcorders that use the built in hard drive (microdrive like what is found in some iPods I believe).

Mini-DV is probably the best format if you plan on editing video. If you are serious about a quality image, you should just bump up to an HD recorder and shell out the extra bucks as it would be well worth it.


The Sony DCRSR45 is around 500 bucks (it has a hard drive). And then you have the Canon HV30 (mini-DV) for around $1000 at Best Buy which is a GREAT budget camera.

You can't go wrong with Sony, Canon, or JVC in my opinion...watch out for the fanboys! People tend to be very pro-Sony or very anti-Sony.

Check this out:

http://www.preferredphoto.com/viewproduct.aspx?ID=9781281&l=Froogle

$753 (Free shipping???) seems like a great deal for a sweet camera like this. Check the specs. That camera looks like a winner.

But I'd go to avs forums, introduce yourself, say you are in the market for a budget camcorder and see what those tech-nerds have to say. All I'd have to say is, think HD... it is quite impressive. Plus that widescreen aspect ratio is a must-have.

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What camcorder takes the best video in the dark?

Q. I am trying to find a camcorder to buy for ghost hunting which requires being in the dark... What camera is the best quality dark shot?

A. Hi C!
I think its cool you're ghost hunting. It's been a passion of mine for the past 2 years. I work in an old school building that some suspect is haunted. I have taken some interesting video footage there and submitted it to some ghost video sites.
To get back to your question, I use the JVC GZ-HD300A Everio 60GB Hard Drive Camcorder. I've used other inferior cameras which are fine in the daylight but this cam has the best twilight and night mode out there.
Believe me, I know how it feels to miss a chance at filming something amazing because I don't have the right camera. You can find this camcorder at http://offto.net/onsalecom/ for a very competitive price.
Just search "camcorders" and click "JVC"
I got it from their site after shopping around. They shipped it quick and reliably and their customer service is excellent.
Good luck, and drop me a line and let me know if you catch anything paranormal on film.

All the best, Jimmy

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Where can I find Professional Camcorders to buy in Southern California?

Q. I am looking for professional camcorders to buy. I have looked almost everywhere. Fry's Stopped selling them, and Best Buy doesn't even have a chance. HELP!

A. Samy's Camera ?

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Will a camcorder purchased from the US be compatible in Australia?

Q. I'm talking about stuff like cables and chargers. Would there be any problems using a camcorder bought from the US in Australia?

A. You would need to use a current converter to charge a US-spec device in Australia. The video cables will work if the corresponding ports are present, but the signal the US-spec camera records will only play on TVs and monitors that can handle NTSC.

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What are some good camcorders to buy?

Q. Could you suggest some good camcorders to buy? I want it to have a clear picture and audio, and for it to look professional. Any suggestions?

A. Consumer level HD camcorders have 4 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording consumer level HD camcorder, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) These Consumer level HD camcorders all have a habit of the transferred to computer files are something you need to convert, thus losing your HD quality, to work with your editing software. 4) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes – four different times advertised as maximum record time for some consumer level HD camcorders. No event I have ever been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video. Not to mention, but the computer you upload your HD files to jas to have at least a 1 GB video card and a separate Audio card that can support Direct X 9 technology, you normal every day computer has massive troubles with HD video. Consumer level HD camcorders interpolate the video. This means they take one frame, make up the next 4 or 5 frames, take a frame and repeat this, over and over, for the remainder of the video, every video it takes is like this. With a MiniDV tape camcorder, record 60 or 90 minutes ( camcorder settings), 90 seconds or less to change a tape and record for 60 or 90 more and repeat till you run out of tapes.

You can get a Canon ZR960 for $250. It is a MiniDV tape camcorder, has a MIC jack. You will need a Firewire (IEEE1394) card ($25 to 30) for the computer and a Firewire cable (less than 10) to be able to transfer video to your computer. To say this is not HD, think about this. It would cost in excess of $3500 to get a HD camcorder that could equal the video Quality of a $250 Canon MiniDV tape camcorder.

http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Camcorders/High_Definition_HD/HV30/index.aspx

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What is a good inexpensive camcorder for independent filmmakers?

Q. I'm looking for a camcorder to buy, something that will not give me the whole 'home movie' effect and feel to it. I will also need a tripod so it won't be shakey and all that but could you just tell me some good inexpensive camcorders that will give me what i'm looking for. I don't know much about camcorders and lenses but i'm looking into it. If anyone can help me with brands and prices of camcorders to look into I will be very thankful.

-M

A. By "something that will not give me the whole 'home movie' effect and feel," I think your talking about the film-look. It can be replicated, through either software or in-camera. However, both these options are pretty expensive, and it doesn't sound like you have that much money right now. I'll get to that later, but for now I'm going to talk about cameras.

I dont know your budget, but from what you said, Im guessing you want a camera probably $800 or below (correct me if I'm wrong, and I'll re write this). In that price range, I cant recommend any particular camera, but follow these rules and you should have a pretty good beginner filmmaking camera:

1. Get miniDV- pretty obvious isn't it?
2. Look for a lot of manual functions- every cam has auto functions, but look for the ability to switch to manual focus, iris, shutter, etc.
3. 3ccds are better than 1
4. The newest isnt always the greatest- not really a rule but basically dont go and get the newest thing that just came out

Other plusses are mic ports, headphone ports, hot shoes, and optical image stabilizer.

If you get a tripod, get one with a fluid head. I'm not recommending a particular one, but look around on google. To tell you the truth, Im not exactly a pro on tripods. But a useful trick that you can do with your tripod is screw on your camera, and instead of opening up the legs, hold the legs together and walk with it. If you do it right, the tripod will absorb the shake from your hands giving you a very cheap steadicam effect.

I hope this helped, and I'm a filmmaker as well, and I always like meeting other filmmakers so feel free to contact me at evilgenius4930@yahoo.com

Original Question

What is the best camcorder to buy to make youtube videos?

Q. what is the best camcorder to buy to make youtube videos

A. Consumer level HD camcorders have 4 problems. 1) Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus areas closely around people in videos taken by consumer level HD camcorders. 2) Any movement, even a wave or lifting an arm, while in front of a recording consumer level HD camcorder, results in screen ghosts and artifacts being left on the video track, following the movement. Makes for bad video, sports videos are unwatchable. 3) These Consumer level HD camcorders all have a habit of the transferred to computer files are something you need to convert, thus losing your HD quality, to work with your editing software. 4) Mandatory maximum record times - 1 hour, 30 minutes, 8 minutes, 3 minutes – four different times advertised as maximum record time for some consumer level HD camcorders. No event I have ever been to is that short. Either take multiple camcorders or pack up with out getting the end of the event on video.

With a MiniDV tape camcorder, record 60 or 90 minutes ( camcorder settings), 90 seconds or less to change a tape and record for 60 or 90 more and repeat till you run out of tapes.

You can get a Canon ZR960 for $250. It is a MiniDV tape camcorder, has a Mic jack. You will need a firewire (IEEE1394) card ($25 to 30) for the computer and a firewire cable (less than 10) to be able to transfer video to your computer. To say this is not HD, think about this. It would cost in excess of $3500 to get a HD camcorder that could equal the video Quality of a $250 Canon MiniDV tape camcorder.

And most of all if you hook this up the way I said, you have the worlds best webcam.

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Where can I find Professional Camcorders to buy in Southern California?

Q. I am looking for professional camcorders to buy. I have looked almost everywhere. Fry's Stopped selling them, and Best Buy doesn't even have a chance. HELP!

A. Samy's Camera ?

Original Question

What Panasonic hd camcorder should I buy?

Q. Hello I am looking for a panasonic hd camcorder to buy as my previous camcorder somehow wont work anymore. I want it to be a Panasonic hd camcorder as I have heard that those are the best on the market today and for a very fair price.

I am willing to pay up to 500$ for this Panasonic hd camcorder.

So what Panasonic hd camcorder should I buy and why should I buy exactly the Panasonic hd camcorder that you recommend?

Thanks in advance!

A. Hello Maria, you should definately go for the Panasonic HDC-SD60K. This Panasonic hd camcorder is nothing but fantastic! It has so many great features and cool functions, basically everything you need in a camcorder and even more.

The battery last much longer than described and it takes amazing pictures. I cant remember the link, but search for the name and then you will find it.



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I found the link, I guess I should have waited because it is actually half the price that I bought it from, which sucks for me, but I guess not for you :)
The link is below.

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